Theatre Square: What Was I Thinking?

So...

When Dallas moved there, I wanted to go, but didn't.

When Kelly Weller took the spot as GM, I thought about going, but didn't.

When I heard the raves from Gayle D and Jackie R, I felt I should go, but didn't.

Robin's review also begged my attendance, but yet, I didn't.

What was I thinking?

Like many, it seemed kinda outta the way, I was too busy to move outside my crawl and made more than my own excuses not to travel downtown and fight the city planners and tourist crowds. I finally got down there this past weekend and I was super-impressed!

First, we arrived at 9:00, you know, the back end of the shift. Our hostess was as sweet and as hospitable as could be. I made a reservation and announced myself, in full disclosure, yet I'm not sure it would have mattered...

The Facillities: The place is stunning. Multiple bars, exhibition kitchen, water features. The deck is probably the coolest alfresco dining in the city (I'm gonna try to have my wedding reception there.) They spared no expense, for sure.

The Service: We were fortunate enough to have forumite, Matt F. I can't begin to tell you how pleasant a meal can be when taken care of by a true professional. He slowed our service up (because we were the loving, doting couple-in-love in the corner) and let us relish our night alone. Don't get me wrong, he completely engaged us when we engaged him, but when it was time to let us be- he let us be. He recommended a sparkling rose' to pair with her fish, my duck and the celebration of a birthday. Spot on!

The Food: Dallas definately has his groove on. This is the food he loves to cook. Regional product, rustic sensibility with high-cuisine aesthetics. A small menu (that I assume rotates quite frequently) with a lot of punch. We had Devilish Eggs, Scallop on Shiso Leaf, Fried Oysters on Fresh Corn Relish, Heirloom Caprese, Onaga (adjusted for her tastes,) Duck Two-Ways and nice little dessert outsourced from Ghyslain. The whole menu looked awesome!

All-in-all, one of my favorite meals in quite some time. I even picked up a can of La Vie, 'Les Citrons' from the market- a childhood favorite.

Well done. Well done, indeed!

Agreed! Agreed on the whole damn thing!

Agreed! Agreed on the whole damn thing!

Me, too!

Thanks for the great review. This bumps it to the top of the list.

Is this in the old Kentucky Theatre building?

to Gordon - Yes it is

to Stephen - You are too kind, Sir. Taking of care of good folks, such as yourselves, isn't even like work at all. It's a privilige to do what you do 'for the love of the game' when the feeling is mutual, the little things don't go unappreciated, and the experience is an enjoyable one for everyone involved. To be a 'fly on the wall' for total strangers can be really cool when you get to see them have a genuinely good time. When it's for someone you know, respect, and think highly of... it's just THAT much cooler.

Happy Birthday!

Would it be inappropriate to bring our 14 and 17 year olds kids? Seems they are closed on Sunday so it would be 7 or so on a Friday. It's where our 17 wants to go for his birthday but I don't want to spoil anyone's date night kind of place. Thanks

Thanks a ton Stephen for such great compliments. It's always great to get such rave reviews from a seasoned professional on the service and the food.

Bonnie, I would love if you all came in for dinner on Friday. We certainly have a varied demographic. Just tonight we had a great mixture of families, date night couples, and the young professional crowd. We also have live jazz on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday and an open kitchen so when you come in, feel free to say hello to all of us back on the line.

Steve H, please let me know when you are planning on coming in, I would love to say hi.

Gayle, thanks as well. I love cooking for you.

Thanks to everyone for your support and I hope to see all of you downtown dining very soon!

Chef Dallas McGarity
Marketplace Restaurant

I'll be in on Mon. Hope you are there chef.

Hi Dallas! My dear friend, Laura who you met last week will be coming in tonight with a few folks requesting the Red Lounge area! She is now a big fan!

Chef Dallas, you are too kind! What a nice response.

It may seem an odd choice for a teenager's birthday dinner, but my son wanted to go somewhere we've never been. We initially thought of your place when he had his senior pictures taken in and around 4th Street. From the outside (peeking in!) it looks like a really cool space. Then when I read Stephen's post it seemed like an even better idea!

Thanks again.

It may seem an odd choice for a teenager's birthday dinner, but my son wanted to go somewhere we've never been. We initially thought of your place when he had his senior pictures taken in and around 4th Street.

Bonnie, your son sounds like a cool kid.

The devilish eggs, truffled fries, and mac and cheese are like crack. I don't know if the mac and cheese w/ mushrooms is on the menu, but the bartender turned me on to it and they made one for me. Probably the best I've ever had.